Mindbodyonline

Online scheduling program

Martial Arts Studio software
Dance Studio Software

Mindbody online is a strategic web based organization that offers web-based business management software tailored to businesses that need scheduling and business management systems. Regardless of what kind of business you run, our solutions offer you powerful benefits to turbo-charge your business and make your life easier.
MindBodyOnline.com offers Business Management Software for the Personal Service Market such as Yoga studios, Hair Salons, Spas, Health clubs, Martial Arts dojo, etc.

with Mindbodyonline, Make your business available to your clients 24/7, from anywhere in the world.
Explode revenue by giving your customers the option of purchasing gift cards, products and services from your integrated online store.
Improve customer convenience through online scheduling and booking.
Send automated confirmations and reminders to clients via email.
Generate marketing reports according to specific client needs, demographics and spending habits.
Through MINDBODY's innovative web-based software, you can allow your clients to login from home and schedule classes and appointments online. Your clients will have the ability to view their personal schedule as well as your business's schedule whether they are at home, at work, or on vacation.

MINDBODY offers you the capability to keep your business open 24/7 - online. Through your integrated online store, allow your clients to purchase classes, pay for appointments, and shop your product selection whenever they please. Allowing your clients to schedule and pay for their services online will alleviate the pressure on your front desk staff during your busiest times.

Pay per post

ppp
word of mouth ethics
Here is a unique oppurtunity that gives all bloggers the chance of making money just for blogging. On a more serious note i signed up with payperpostlast year but did not start utilising its enormous oppurtunities till yesterday. All the same someone just passed the $11000 mark on the program.Anyway I wish to invest my earnings on the internet and give some out to charity. Here you also get a chance of meeting friends.Many independent advertisers come here and pay bloggers to write up post about their products. If you like blogging then I know You wouldn't be happy if I new of this site and did not make mention of it to you cos You would love t make a little money doing the things you love.Here is how it worksYou can make tons of money from your writing ability. There are several opportunities for you to make money without spending a dime and best without leaving the periphery of your comfort. These opportunities include.- Writing seo articles? Search Engine Optimization (S.E.O) articles are a major medium for marketers, website owner and many other internet users to advertise their products goods and services. It is good knowledge that goods or service that are not advertised cannot sell. No matter how good a product or service is, it is not well advertised it cannot sell. As such all web masters and site owners on the internet need advertising traffic.One of the main ways to get traffic for what ever people do online is to write articles.You will be surprised to learn that articles are in much demand on the net because they are a very effective medium of getting sales. However, many web masters and other people in need of articles do not have time to write it themselves.For one, managing a site, no matter how small the content is an arduous task by itself. As such, all these businessmen hire other people to write for them. This is where you come in as a writer. You write articles for the site owner and get your money in dollars. It's that straight forward or more depending on a few factors. If you want to get started immediately click below

Innovative Card Maker

I recently received a wedding invitation and true to my words it was marvelous. I had to scan it and put here for your eyes to see. The card as you can see is mind blowing and I went . I went on the net to check out the makers of the card and I found something similar on this site. I have discovered that this card maker is very reliable.

Your guests will be overwhelmed when they receive this modern Jean M® designer invitation in the mail! The pink invitations as well as all enclosures are printed with a lovely red floral design. With the response card printed horizontally and the reception printed vertically the contrasting colors really pop. The outer and inner envelopes are pink, while the response and announcement envelopes are red for an eye-catching experience. This item is printed on a beautiful Pink card stock. The paper type cannot be changed. The corresponding red Response and Announcement envelopes will be printed in Black Ink .

http://www.1st-class-wedding-invitations.com/wedding-invitations.aspx">Wedding Invitations

Happy Easter

Easter is here once again. Have a lovely Easter Weekend everyone.

ADAURE is part of an entourage - FADE on a trip across the Sahara enlightening desert encroachment with Chief Jibunoh who has conquered the sahara twice and is documenting his third and final trip, taking a team along with him. Read all about their journey across the Sahara on her blog.

Introducing Crystal-Eyez

For all of those nudging me to update. Dont you all get writers block sometimes? Its been getting a mighty hold of me this past month. For those of you who know me and have met me in person, my make-up has always been minimal. I would love to join the group of heavy kajal, wearing, bold make-up wearers but somehow, entering that league has still eluded me. Maybe due to the fact that my kajal (liquid eyeliner, mascara, eye pencil, you name them, I 've tried them) no matter how much I apply it emphatically always wears out before the end of the day? LOL!! Haba. I will get there one day soon.


I have been mentioning to my friends that I must attend a make up school pretty soon to learn the art of putting on my make-up. To embark on this self improvement, I even googled make-up schools in london and found one offering a one week course for £5000 (brushes included) and another offering a one week course for £2000 as well as one by ICS learn for £600. Somehow learning how to make up through distace learning just does not cut it for me. I would love to see, learn and practice how its being done. So if anyone knows of any quickie make up schools out there in town (that I can afford) where I can learn how to strut my stuff, pls put a sista in the know.

What brought on this make-up rant? An email from the ever ubiquitous Bisi oh! So here is introducing Crystal Eyez. The lady knows her stuff. From Architect, Web Designer and now Make-up Artist. She don do pass virtuous woman abi? (smile) I have had a look at her website and I must commend the sista for her bold step into the industry. I look forward to the day when I would transform myself like Bisi did to this lady (Jummy) from this to this effortlessly:




Pls support the newest make up artist on the block and go have a look at her website.

Kung Hey Fat Choy

Kung Hey Fat Choi - that means Happy New Year in Chinese. It was the start of the Chinese New Year - The Year of the Rat and there were loads of activities to mark the New Year. I had enjoyed the festivities which held last year and didnt want to miss out on this year's festivities and so off I went to Trafalgar Square and Chinatown for the New Year festival.


This year is the Year of the Rat. Each year in the chinese calendar is represented by an animal. It is believed by the chinese that Budha asked animals to meet him at the time of the New Year and so each new year is represented by the twelve animals (like a mascot) that came. 2008 is known as the Year of the Rat. Since there are 12 animal names, year names are re-cycled every 12 years. The chinese believe that every person born in the year of each animal has features of that animal's personality. Other animals are the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Hare, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.

This year, I arrived in good time for the parade - I missed the parade last year ans wasnt prepared to miss out on the parade also this year. Thus, I was able to get a good spot where I could take loads of pictures unhindered. There were loads and loads of proper 'paps' like me there armed with their digital and DSLR cameras. I was a wee bit intimidated but just refused to be oppressed by those carrying or hanging DSLR cameras and promised myself that come next year, I'll have one too hanging round my neck to oppress those who allow themselves to be oppressed. (smile)

The parade was lovely. Loads and loads of paps or should I say official photographers led the way and we sightseers had to beg them to get out of the way so the rest of us could take proper pictures too. (Smile) Then came the town crier, the mascots of the Beijing Olympics - giant pandas, then some 'rats', cartoon charaters, then gaily dressed dance troupes and cultural groups, lucky dragons, little kids from some Chinese Academy dressed in beautifully made and brightly coloured garmets, they were a joy to behold. Of course, they smiled happily for those of us edging each other to take pictures. There were some acrobats too who performed some wonderful and daring cartwheels for the crowd as the parade went along. Some univeristy students also came all the way from china and were part of the parade as well as representatives from Chinese Students Associations in UK universities.

It was an enjoyable parade even though a short one and it was soon over before it begun and off we went to Trafalgar Square for the dotting of the eyes of the dragon and other cultural performances lined up on the stage at the square. The blindfold was removed from the dragon and the dignitaries present were invited to 'dot' the eyes of the dragon. The dragon was supposedly brought onto the stage blind and when its eyes were painted on, it awoke and brought good luck into the new year. The sun shone brightly - too brightly for those of us amateurs with cameras. It was blinding our focus and there was nowhere to hide.

There were fireworks displays every hour from 2pm at Leceister Square and they were lovely. I didnt take a lot of pictures of the fireworks cos my sprint between Trafalgar Square and Leceister Square just before the hour each time wasnt enough to get me a good picture taking spot. (Smile) After the dotting of the eyes of the dragon, the money god arrived and then the cultural music, display and dances began. It is believed that red represents fire and that fire keeps away bad luck and brings prosperity and thus there were loads and loads of red lanterns in the square and around Chinatown, Leceister Square and Oxford Circus to keep away bad sprits and bring good luck.

I'm glad I went. Pictures from the Chinese New Year Celebrations can be viewed HERE. Pictures from last year's New Year Festival can be found HERE too for anyone who is interested. Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Exercises for the New Year

My friend sent me this link and I couldnt resist sharing with all the inactive people out there who harldly ever indulge in any form of exercise. Wanna try this one this new year?!?!?!




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67lnwPawANw

You may now EAT the Bride

You may now eat the bride?!?!!!? Well, literally. Thats what caught my eyes when I saw this African couple on Page 2 of the evening papers today. In my mind, I was subconciously saying "What have we done now?" We Africans never seeem to make the headlines unless its bad news.

The Wedding Cake

Well, it wasnt bad news this time. Chidi Ogbuta and her partner Innocent who tied the knot in September 2007 at Dallas had made a life size replica of the bride for their wedding cake!! So you could say all guest at their wedding reception -literally ate the bride after a beach front wedding and horse drawn carriage ride to the reception.

The Happy Couple Cutting thier cake

If she wanted to make the headlines and have an unforgettable wedding, she sure did cos I googled her name and sure enough, found several pictures of her and her cake. According to the bride, having a replica cake had always been a fantasy of hers and a childhood dream which came true for her at her wedding and newspaper critics reacted and said " It's kinda weird to see a picture of her husband cutting into her with a knife, but it's really hard to be mad at her........"

Picture of the bride ...................... & her cake

I must say the concept was original and innovative and the bride got her heart's desire but a lifesize replica of myself as my wedding cake is definitely not my style. Wishing the lovely couple a happy married life. apparently, the original plan had been to makelife sized replicas of both the bride and groom but by the time the couple were finally able to find a caterer willing to take on their project, they were running out of time as the D-Day approached and had to settle for just a replica of the bride only. Other pictures of their wedding cake can be found HERE and HERE.

Happy New Year

I heartily thank God that we have all seen the start of a new year. 2008 is here at long, long last and 2007 is so yesteday. LOL!!

Lazyness crept in towards the last quarter of 2007 and I didnt even notice my subscription for my counter had expired until new year's eve. Still havent renewed it yet - why?!?!?! LOL!!

Just sneaked in to wish you all a prosperous and happy 2008. Will be back soon - promise. (smile)

Vagina Monologues

PAM sent me this email and I'm going to try and reproduce it for everyone who is interested.



Do you want your personal experiences to help others?

PAM is collecting Nigerian stories for the Vagina Monologues. The official Naija version as pioneered by KIND and now 4 other partners. Naija version aside from Nigerian content also means a less shocking title. (smile) The great thing is that it will reach far more people this way.
The monologues are basically stories from real women, dramatized by actresses that offer release for the survivors and victims of abuse, and celebrate the essence of femininity. Proceeds from the shows go to organizations that fight violence against women. The awareness created galvanizes action. The culture of silence against violence against women and sexuality, the granite wall that shields atrocities needs to come down.

Do you have a story to share?

As soon as I was asked to participate in this project my mind went to "Blogville". Here I read what my society is mad not to discuss. Here women take refuge in the anonymity of the internet and release personal, shocking and painful memories. Childhood sexual assaults, rapes, date rapes, circumcision, as I recall some of these stories it hurts as I write. The Monologues isn’t all about violence. There’s a place for pleasure, humour, regret, reminiscing, expressing your feelings and your stand about what makes you woman. "Blogville" is such a place. Here Nigerian women have vaginas. They have opinions. Ive seen blogs on virginity, masturbation, being frigid, first periods, childbirth and orgasms; it’s another world. Im learning so much.
So are you up for soul baring? Complete privacy guaranteed. I don’t even want your name. The curious should please contact me at
miz_pdb@yahoo.com , pamelabraide@gmail.com . Her blog can be found here too: http://www.pdbraide.blogspot.com/. For more info check out www.vday.org and www.kind.org

Passing Out

I'm so excited! I'm going shopping later on today for an outfit to wear. Yes, as usual, I'm one of those who love to do their shopping at the eleventh hour but oh well, better late than never huh? LOL!! I'm not sure what I want to wear either - whether to conform to the norm (outfit wise) or deviate from the norm. All ye fashionistas out there - any suggestions?

Remember THIS POST I put up about this time last year? Well, my turn has come and come saturday, I'm heading to Essex for my own 'passing out' too with a mini entourage in tow. I'm not sure who to appoint as the official paparazzi but I'm looking forward to those shouts of 'yeahhh' and 'yessssss' and 'well done' as each name is being called. Remember London Buki's mum shouting 'Praise Jesus' at hers too? LOL! Well, on such days, you'll be unhappy if your relatives dont embarass u by expressing shouts of joy as you are called up so thank God I attended my man's last year cos I'll be reminding them in the car as we drive down for the ceremony to shout as loud as they can when its my turn. LOL!!

Maybe I'll put some pictures up when I'm back huh? Maybe not....... LOL!!

An update at last

Where have I been? I ask myself that question too, loads and loads of times. I cant believe its been an entire month since I wrote any posts in this diary. I seem to be catching some people's bug of posting only one post per month. I'm not mentioning any names here, they know themselves. (smile)

Thanks to all those who've been leaving comments and checking up on me, enquiring, coaxing politely and nudging for an update. Its been a rollercoaster month. I do love writing my thots in this diary but my man has reservations about his private moments with his madam being laid bare for the entire world and thus I was torn between what to put down in the diary or joining the huge numbers of those shutting down their diaries. A thot which wasnt endearing at all. Should I stop? I dont want to be one of those shutting down, should I continue and vear in to other subjects or topics that dont involve me personally crossed my mind so many times. We just had to come to a compromise concerning this diary. I'll try and write on issues that concern and involve me ane me alone and wont embarass my man who is a very, very private person in a bid to keep the peace. So I'll still keep on writing posts in this diary but how personal they shall be remains to be seen.

I've had a huge rollercoaster of emotions going through me this past month. So much that I abandoned even my running partner and refused to see her for almost an entire month talk less of even going out to run myself. So I've been in a huge, huge rot! (Or do I mean rut?!?!!?) LOL!! I think the cold weather contributed to my reluctance and eventual succumbing to lazying in bed and letting go of those early morning runs we so enjoyed. I know I'll go back to them pretty soon. The fact that I had no races to look forward to may have contributed to my lazyness and I hope to put all that behind me ASAP.

The New York City Marathon is taking place today. I'm looking forward to watching the race and I think there's going to be a live transmission of the race on BBC at 2.15pm. Cant wait!! I think I do have a passion for running. Why I am not out there right now satisfying or fulfilling that passion baffles me.

I had so many posts drafted in my head so many times all these days I've been away about so many diverse issues and topics but now I'm finally in front of the PC, they've all flown out! LOL!! Hope to write another post pretty soon when my thoughts are more collected.

Ty Bello

I seem to be developing a trend of writing my posts on friday nights. I was trying to do a quick round of blogville when I decided to write a quick post about a celebrity I met at Gatwick Airport a fortnight ago.

Was at the airport during the week accompanying my friend who had come in over the weekend to take her niece who was on holiday back to school. I saw this huge blob of hair at the check in desk and whispered excitedly to my friend who was travelling and whom I had gone to escort. OMG! I shrieked. Thats TY BELLO! Who? She replied and I was like you mean you dont know TY Bello? She was like - that girl over there? We came in on the same flight on Thursday. I proceeded to tell her what I knew about TY - She used to be a member of a girl band, a succesful gospel group called KUSH, now she's an acclaimed photgrapher. My friend still had this blank look on her face and I couldnt help but abuse her. You mean you live in Lagos and you dont know the celebrities in your own town? Which kind of person are you? LOL!!

My next thoughts were now to either get an autograph from her or take a picture of her or even more, with her. Proof to show Mrs S and rub it in. LOL!! She was waiting for her flight not too far off and I decided to do 'paparazzi' style and take pictures of her from a distance first of all before finally mustering enough courage to go up to her and start gushing......

"Hi, TY I'm a great fan of yours. Please may I have a picture taken with you?" With a smile, she obliged me. Asked me my name and we made some small talk. I didnt recognise her friend who was with her and couldnt tell if she was a celebrity also on the Lagos scene and hoped she didnt feel too bad that I was gushing over TY and TY alone. TY's friend stepped aside and allowed me to have my 5 minutes with my 'celebrity friend' who proceeded to tell me "She liked my hair". (In my heart I was like - Ha! this my scattered experiment I call my hair that you like? Maybe you're just being nice. LOL!) I told her she looked extremely lovely too and that I was a great admirer of her work. (Talk about major sucking up) LOL!! Then I asked to take a picture of her alone and she obliged me but decided to give me a side view and looked away from me. That was when I asked her to please look at the camera and felt bad immediately after saying that. This was an experienced photograher I was talking to but well, shit happens. She smiled and obliged me and I smiled happily and glided away after taking the pictures. Mission accomplished, I sent a text to Mrs Somebody gloating. Thank God there was no huge entourage of bodyguards and PA's around her to stop me - yet. LOL!!

We waited not too far from each other waiting for her flight to be called so they could check in. I overheard her telling her friend she was due in Calabar over the weekend for a photo shoot. Finally at least, she was called in to check in her luggage but not before she had pushed her trolley to where I stood and said she had been at the airport almost 3 hours and had made a mistake coming in too early. I was tongue tied and didnt know what to say other than mumble something in the lines of Oh, thats so sad or something. Really cant remeber what I said. I suck at small talk and thats one area I've got to develop skills in SOON.

Maybe someday in future when she's become even more famous, my pictures of us together will sell of hundreds and hundreds of dough huh? Until then, I'm keeping it close to my heart. I'll share the pictures with you but still havent had the liver to show you all my ugly face with the lovely and beautiful TY BELLO. So what you see is what you get........

My paparazzi attempts at taking her pictures sneakily....

The beautiful Lady.....

My treasured pic that will fetch me millions later on in life. LOL!!

Read Bella Naija Post on TY Bello.

Great North Run...

Its been exactly two months today since I got that phone call to come for an interview that I had given up on. I had sent my CV to them some months previously on one of my cold calling ventures and had forgotten all about them when I didnt hear from them. I was so excited. Went for the interview some days later and was asked to start the next day. Its a legal charity and the offer wasnt that 'much' (I have to rephrase this part later but I cant think of the appropraite words that really convey how I feel or what I mean right now) but I couldnt complain. So thats how I started work at my new place two months ago. Dont know why I didnt share but I guess the stress......... or maybe it was too good to be true but I'm letting the cat out of the bag now. LOL!! Thats also a little bit of the reasons why my posting has been a little bit inconsistent. LOL!! The next step for me now will be getting a Certificate of Eligibility so I can take my QLTT exams as soon as possible.



I enjoyed watching the Great North Run today. I could see the fun and excitement of the atmosphere over there in Newcastle and hoping that I can master running my 10KM ASAP this year and really looking forward to the next step in running which is the Half MArathon but on no condition will I attempt to register for on when I am not ready. Running at Bluewater has taught me a great lesson. It was fun seeing all the celebrities and listening to the stories of other runners. It was great to have Paula back and she had a great run - only Kara did better than her unexpectedly but it was still a good race.

We all watched stunned at the 9th mile when Kara got tired of running with Paula and broke away. The commentators were stunned as that was Kara's first half marathon and were saying maybe her inexperience had made her break away too early and that she might not be able to keep up the pace and I believed them too in my heart. We were all expecting Paula to shine and didnt expect the sort of performance Kara gave but she maintained the gap she gave Paula up till the very end and finished in 66minutes. Her husband Adam did well too and finished in the mens' race in 63 minutes and Paula finished in second place in 67 minutes. I think all the contestants did very well. Its a big step registering for such a race, even bigger turning up on the day and actually completing the race. Congratulations to every one of the almost 50,000 runners that completed the Great North Run.

Great North Run

The Great North Run is holding tomorrow at Newcastle. I'm so excited! I'm so excited!! Its a 13 mile half marathon and hopefully, I'll be a part of it next year. This year, I'm still a part of it - only difference is I'm watching all the action live from my sofa and not running. LOL!!

Reality sets in.....

I'm attending a wedding today and really looking forward to it. Weddings mean new clothes and true to form, yours truly went off looking for the perfect outfit. The couple had indicated they would prefer monetary gifts as wedding presents so I didnt have to crack my brain for suitable wedding presents for them. I saw this lovely pink bustier dress and loved it so much I placed an order for it in my usual size - a Size 14. It arrived a day to the D-day (yesterday) and I fell in love with it even more. I hurriedly stepped out of my clothes and tried it on. Pulled the zip up and it went past my waist but got stuck when it got to my boobs. They wouldnt go any further! My boobs were too ***. LOL!! I was horrified. How could this have happened? Why didnt I think of this? I had committed the cardinal sin of online shopping. Not ordering for an item in two sizes as insurance so you could choose the one with the perfect fit and return the other one that didnt fit perfectly. Now I was stuck.

Thats how I had to go shopping for an outfit on a friday evening. I discovered there are loads and loads of us in this category. The fitting rooms at the shops I went to were filled with us last minute ladies shopping for an outfit for a wedding the next day. I used to pride myself on being a Size 14 but I seem to be expanding some more (despite the futile attempts at dropping some off) Size 14 bottoms were quite tight. Size 14 tops - dont even go there. The boobs wouldnt even let that happen. These are the same boobs that used to allow size 14 tops glide over them easily. Seems those days are gone - never to return? I hope not! LOL!! With great sorrow in my heart, I headed to the till with my Size 16 purchases. *Sob*, *Sob* , *Sob*.

I'm not a theatrical or dramatic person but I seem to be exhibiting some of it right now. LOL!! I pray these "Size 16 days" or cup will pass over me pretty soon. Got home with great sorrow and told my husband I'm now a size bigger. He's encouraging and says "Dont worry, its not that bad" . I'm seriously alarmed. Enough of my theatrics. I'll get over it and avoid those Aldi Maple syrup popcorns on the days I cheat. The cheating has just been so frequent recently and I am reaping the rewards cos the pounds have piled back on so fast. LOL!!

Suddenly....

Suddenly, there never seems to be enough hours in a day for me to get through my 'To Do' list successfully each day. I try very hard not to blog at work and when I get home each day, always so tired, the hours just fly by without me being able to check on my beloved blogville pals as much as I would love to. My zeal and passion hasnt died yet - just in abeyance. LOL!!

I've been following the story of Kate and Gerry McCann. Its getting more bizarre each passing day. It simply beggars belief that they have been made 'aguidos' in the case of their missing daughter. Ok. assuming and I repeat assuming they killed their daughter. They were foreigners in Portugal. Where would they have hidden their daughter's body in an area they were not familiar with that would not have been uncovered by the police or the natives by now? About the car where Maddie's DNA was found - It was hired 25 days after their daughter went missing. The Algarves were swarming with press and paparazzi who were following the every move of the McCanns. How did the McCanns give them a slip to dispose of the body? I hope that little girl is found or that some sense is made out of the messy investigation very, very soon because a lot of things just dont add up at all.

I ran another race over the weekend. The Hydro Active Race at Hyde Park. It was held in three cities at the same time - Birmingham, Liverpool and London. The race was good. Jampacked all the way from start to finish. I think there were about 20,000 runners that day. I must confess my fitness level has gone down but I still managed to finish in 45 minutes. I'm thinking very seriously of running my next race in fancy dress just for the fun of it. My next race would have been the Running 4Women 8k holding at Windsor on the 29th but the race has been cancelled due to the outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease at Surrey. The organisers have offerred to transfer all entrants to the Brighton 8k which will hold in October for free as no refunds will be given on any monies paid. There is also talk about a discount on next years race although the percentage being discounted isnt known yet. I was looking forward so much to the 8k race. I may just take them up on the Brighton transfer offer.

Phuket is in the news again. This time, its not a tsunami but a plane crash and 89 are confirmed dead and several others injured. May thier souls rest in peace.

I'm Back

Sorry guys, but I had to take a break. It wasnt as if I was running away completely. Just wanted to do one or two things to the template that I still havent gotten round to doing cos I just havent had any time for myself.



Thanks to all who said a prayer for me concering my post 'Prayers Galore' I can confirm that everything went more smoothly than I could ever imagine. I know that more positive things and testimonies are coming my way. Thanks for remembering me in your prayers and for your kind words to me.



I'll be back soon to put up a proper post.

Random Thots

I was watching the London Ambulance programme earlier on today and there was this car accident that was shown that made me reminisce about how roughly I used to drive previously. I used to think I was a moderate driver until one day, I got driven by someone else in their car which was a rare treat and my heart was literally in my heart cos the driver was going so fast. I was literally stepping on the brakes too while being seated in the front seat and driving the car along with the person. LOL!! I made a comment that I was actually scared and my younger sis turned to me and said "Now you realise how we feel when we are in your car" LOL!! I didnt realise I used to go so fast. LOL!! I know my minimum speed used to be at least between 60 - 80kmph or is it mph but I dont think I ever hit 100 in the city. Now my eyes have 'opened', I know that was way, way too fast to drive in a city but then, what did I know? Everyone seemed to drive at about that same speed too. My sis in law's nickname for the car was 'Tuke Tuke' LOL!! She would ask "CG, how is your tuke tuke?" It wasnt exactly grandoise but it got me from point A to B quite nicely - Thank You very much. LOL!!


That accident also made me remember how much God loved me then - even up till now. (smile) I remember the first time I had an accident. It wasnt through any fault of mine and Thank God I didnt hit anyone and no other car was involved. I had been stopped by FRSC (Federal Road Safety Corps) officials who had asked me for the regular stuff.

• Fire Extinguisher - Non Existent in my Car
• Triangle - Non existent

OK. let me stop opening my yansh before you guys think I was a negligent driver. LOL!! They now asked to check my brake & reverse lights. I stepped on the brakes for their benefit and reversed also so they could check the reverse lights and told me both werent working. How was I supposed to know? I didnt even know they were supposed to light when you stepped on them. I am no longer laughing. It was terribly naive of me to have driven the vehicle then endangering others now I think about it.

So they wrote me a ticket and off I went to pay the fine as well as take the car to the electrician's place to get the brake and reverse lights fixed. At the electrician's, afterall the work was done, I got into my car and drove off. The electrician's place was at the top of a slope and when I was about going down the slope, I stepped on the brakes as a precautionary measure but my brakes failed. I was petrified. I couldnt believe my eyes. What was I going to do? And it was a very busy road too with all the 'okadas' around who if pushed down would unleash justice perpetrator of the evil. I was like OMG! I'm going to hit another car or worse still hit someone but luckily, my instincts swung into action and since there was no car coming from the opposite direction, I swerved the car into the nearest premises where I had seen a heap of sand hoping the sand would stop the car. The car hit the heap and started to roll back. I was petrified it would take my back onto the road I had just come from cos of the slope but thankfully, my front bender caught the framework of the garage shed which was next to the heap of sand and the car was held in one place.

The owners of the premises came out to find out what was happening. A crowd had started to gather. I was shaking and petrified and mortified at the same time. The lady who owned the premises was someone who worked in my father's office and recognised me (I didnt even know that was her house when I swung in there or that she lived there) and I was so embarrased. But they were all so kind to me as they all seemed to think it was no fault of mine since it was a brake failure. She got someone to drive me and my car back home. I was literally in shock and shaking all the way home.

Later on, I was informed that the electricians had made a vital mistake. Since they had worked on the brakes, they should have 'bled' the brakes after and topped up the hydraulic fluid but they didnt and that was what had caused the brake failure cos it happened immediately I drove out of their workshop. I remember another time I was speeding and my front tyre burst. Luckily, I had heard so many stories about not stepping on the brakes when you had a burst tyre and was able to not step on the brakes and bring the car to a stop and change the spoilt tire and continue on my journey.

I'm glad I can say now, I have been enligtened and I have repented from my days of rough driving. LOL!! If I am stopped by FRSC today, I can proudly say:

• Fire Extinguisher - Check
• Triangle - Check
• Other things - Check. LOL!!

Prayers Galore

Me and my man are going through traumatic times right now.
Please remember us both in your prayers.
If I live to tell the tale, I'll let you in on it in October.


Thanks Everyone. I was feeling a wee bit perturbed when I wrote this post yesterday and I feel extremely better and stronger now. Listened to some TD Jakes sermon tapes and I am assured that as long as I humble myself and pray, God will hear my cry and heal my land. Cheers.

Monday Morning Blues

I was on my way to work yesterday when I decided to fish out my sunglasses from where they had been hidden in hiatus & make good use of them as the sun was shining quite brightly that morning. Sunglasses perched on my face and everything else in place, I kissed my man goodbye and headed to the bustop to catch the bus to work.

Some metres away from the bustop, I though I could see skin poking out from underneath a suit already standing at the bustop but thought to myself, "No, that cant be". Must be my sunglasses playing tricks on my mind cos I havent worn them in such a long while. Just to make sure, I removed my sunglasses from its precarious position on my face and proceeded to verify that I was actually seeing what I thought I was seeing.

Alas, my senses or is it my thoughts still told me I could see flesh jutting out from underneath a well dressed suit and so I proceeded to wipe out my camera phone & take some first hand evidence/pictures from a very, very safe distance to confirm that I wasnt seeing double. LOL!! The picture below was confirmation that I hadnt gone bonkers. LOL!!

After taking the picture from a safe distance, it confirmed exactly what I thought I was seeing. There was indeed flesh poking out from underneath the 'suit' at the bustop some metres away from me! Oh La La! At 8am on a Monday morning?!?!!? In my mind I was like, Chei! Wahala dey oh! LOL!!

My problem was now how to get closer and take a clearer picture of the 'scene' before my eyes and yet live to tell the tale. As you can see, the guy was extremely huge & intimidating and I would hate to think of what he would do to me if I was caught in the act and he noticed that I was clicking away, taking his picture. LOL!!

I pretended to be typing a text and moved closer to the bustop, pretending to be reading the bus times/schedule but yet clicking away at my handset with my heart in my mouth. If he moves closer, I'll run away in the opposite direction. I kept assuring myself. LOL!!

I wanted to turn round and look at him properly but my liver failed me. Supposing he said "What are you staring at?" with his eyeballs bulging out?!?!? What would I do? Where would I run to? I'm sure I would have pissed in my pants. LOL!! Before long, the bus came and he got on it. I contemplated getting on the same bus as him to take more pictures, curious at the same time where he could be heading to. Surely he wouldnt be heading to work?!?!?!?!!? In that state!??!?!? I decided to let him go on his way. I had my own day to look forward to afterall. LOL!!

What would be your reaction if your manager, supervisor, co-worker or even your employee came into the office on a Monday morning dressed like this?

Ashlee & George

The 'young' have grown and are getting married...............
My 'calabar sis' Ashlee is set to wed.......
A Big hearty Congratulations to Ashlee & George who tie the knot in exactly a month's time.
Check out their wedding website HERE.....

My First 10km Race

I know I didnt let on I was running this race but I wasnt so sure I would turn up for it too. I'd been getting these email reminders 6 weeks before the race about it being my 'last chance to register' which I had been ignoring dutifully since I felt I wasnt ready for a 10km race yet but last weekend, I got worn out and threw caution to the wind and registered. (They were offering me half price registration afterall and my august was free as the races I had lined up next were all in september.) LOL!!


That was how I started preparing for a 10km race - a week to the race when I hadnt yet been able to run a 5km race non stop yet. I aim to achieve too much too soon right?!?! You're not far from the truth. Our training run that week went well though. We ran 6km steadily and unwavering 3 times that week on Monday, Wenesday and Friday and finished in 53, 48 and 51 minutes respectively on those days. I figured I would start slow and then try to run 6km without stopping like we did during the week and then see how it goes from there, probably rest between the 7th and 8th km mark and then run the rest of the way to the finish line. With my Running Partner's last words of advice to me still reverberating in my ear just before the gun went off signalling the start was "Make sure you start slow" and me nodding in reply, the race began.

First of all, whoever charted the race course and then described it as a fast and flat course will be sued by moi for misrepresentation! LOL!! I felt since the course was a flat surface with no hills, then maybe I could manage it as my daily runs are on a flat surface. How wrong I was! The start alone was an inclination! We ran uphill! I think I followed the crowd and went along with their pace and when I tried to take some deep breath like I usually do and didnt succeed, I knew something was terribly wrong. I was somewhere in the middle of the crowd at the start line but pretty soon, everyone had gone past me. I was cursing and ranting to myself - "This isnt a flat course, OMG, what have I done to myself? This isnt a flat course." LOL!! By the 2km mark, I was already walking. Hills arent my thing at all. Havent mastered them yet. Then this elderly guy went past me at such a slow pace, I knew I had to step up. It wouldnt do well at all for him to get to the finish line before me - I was way younger than him and supposedly full of energy. LOL!!

Mustered all the energy I could garner and began running again. Went past him but couldnt keep it up and was soon walking again. Note to self: Let go of Lucozade Boost and stick to ur Diet Kick. Lucozade seems to do nothing for me. The advice was to drink it at least an hour beofre the race as the drink will enable you focus better, react quicker and delays the onset of fatigue. It did absolutely nothing for me. Maybe there was something else I didnt do right? LOL!!

Back to story - Well, when I began walking again, he went past me one more time and the humiliating thing was that it wasnt as if he was running particularly fast - more like a gentle jog. It just made me realise I need to do more speedwork. My so called running speed is almost non exsistent if not zero. (smile) Went past him one more time and then got to another hill where I simply refused to run and decided to walk up it instead. Self realisation came when I heard a little boy who had come to stay on the roadside with his family and cheer the crowds on ask his parent very loudly indeed: "Why is she walking, mummy?" In my mind, I was like YEAHPAH!! I am in real soup. Little boy is questioning my capabilities. Embarassment couldnt even let me turn round and look at his innocent face - just kept on walking as fast as I could with the intention of sprinting down the hill when I got to the top of it. But he was saying the truth - Why was I walking when other runners had just sprinted past at top speed before his very eyes? LOL!!!

The rest of the race was a mixture of running and walking - next to the elderly man who had been overtaking me previously. I decided to run next to him rather than engage in a mini comeptition with him. When I complimented him that he was quite fit, he smiled and said that he had run a marathon some days before and was quite tired and would need to get a 'tow rope' pretty soon so I could pull him along with me. Yeah, right. When I was struggling to keep up with him. (smile) He swamped me with tales of his younger years in the army and some of the piloting work he was doing currently. It was nice to have someone to run with especially as the batteries in my mp3 had given up 15 minutes into the race. I should have charged them the night before just to be sure but I foolishly assumed they would see me through the race.

Next thing, during one of my walks, the 'end car' or 'sweeper bus' as it is known in most races was behind our little group and I just told myself I had to do something drastic. I couldnt afford to come in last or let the car overtake me either and leave me behind. LOL!! So I started chasing the lady ahead of me and just when I got to her, she said she was trying to get to the lady ahead of her too and did a little jog away from me too. LOL!! Finally, we all made it to the finish line. Did I mention I got to the half way mark - 5km in 44 minutes? Finished the race in about 84 minutes I think. Was aiming to finish before 90 minutes and at least I achieved that. I was petrified of finishing after 90 minutes. Will try and work harder for my next 10km race - whenever that is. This made me realise even more that running a marathon which I have been thinking of doing is really, really hard work. I had even been contemplating half marathons, 13 milers and 10 milers recently and just enjoying everything generally about running as well as delving into that need by runners to always search for new distances to conquer. Will step down my search several levels and concentrate on 5km races now. LOL!!

Was intending to take part in the London Pride Run - another 10km holding this saturday in London but I've shelved running any more 10km's for the mean time to allow for further training and speedwork. Running a 10km isnt beans. LOL!! Some pictures from the race can be seen HERE.

I'm not sure if my eyes were deceiving me but I could swear I saw a 'naked guy' standing akimbo on Waterloo Bridge this morning at about 5.30am on my way to Bluewater. The car went by too fast so I really cant say if that was a man or a statue. He was standing really still and naked as in really N A K E D on Waterloo Bridge. Surely if it was a man, the police would have arrested him for 'indecent exposure'? LOL!! Maybe it was a statue - can someone help me out pls?

Carnaval del Pueblo

I was on my way to South London to visit some aunties - those I had neglected for the entire year over the weekend. On my way there, just after Elephant & Castle, I noticed there was some event going on at Burgess Park on Old Kent Road and being the inquisitive lady that I was, decided to make a detour, defer my trip for at least two hours and veer into the park to find out what was going on there. I dey chop dog leg now? Una no know? LOL!!


It turned out to be that the Latin American Festival - Carnaval del Pueblo was holding in the park that day! I had heard so much about the carnival but had never attended any and was so glad I didnt continue my journey but the downside was that I had already missed the carnival float/procession which was scheduled to arrive at Albany Road at 3pm and it was past 4pm already. Into the park I skipped and I was glad I did cos it was fun!

There was dancing and singing and loads and loads of food - I loved that part - the food part. LOL!! The weather was lovely too and we went round the stalls looking at traditional latin crafts which were on display in some of the stalls. There were four stages and loads and loads of singing and nice latin songs and dances which the crowd sang and danced along to, too.

I really enjoyed tasting the food from the stalls. There was food from loads and loads of countries. Now I can boast of having eaten Columbian food - I ate some Tamales made from potatoes and peas and carrots and chicken, wrapped in plantain leaves which wasnt bad at all, I also ate some Filippino food - which was a mix of assorted meat, fried plantain, rice cakes - I think which was quite a hit with the crowd cos the queue for those was astronomincal! There was also loads and loads of roasts and barbeques - chicken, kebabs, et al. There were churros and salad and ........ oh, the pictures say it all. Of course there was the eye candy too - loads and loads of eye candy both for the ladies and the men too. But in all, it was a family day and there were loads and loads of kids having fun in the park too with their parents. There was a fun fair for them, face painting, loads of ice cream vans, candy floss, music, dance, you name it. I'm really glad I stopped by but disapointed I missed the float. Saw pictures of the float in the papers yesterday and my heart ached. Next yr....... oh, next yr........, I have serious plans for next yr's carnaval. LOL!! But this year, all hope isnt lost yet. I also have serious plans for Notting Hill Carnival holding later on this month. No way I'm missing that! (smile) Anyone who knows of any more events like these holding this summer, please share! LOL! I just learnt there is going to be a carnival in Abuja, Nigeria too later on in November this year.

So 2 hours later, my journey began again to my final destination - my auntie's place. I'm glad I made that detour though. Did have lots of fun. Pictures from the Carnaval del Pueblo can be viewed HERE.

Courgettes Dilema

I went looking for some cucumbers this evening on my way from the city where I do some voluntary work and found some courgettes instead which I bought as a substitute cos they looked so much like the real deal but now, I'm having second thoughts. They're not really like cucmbers - anyone with some receipes on what to do with courgettes? Or do I just pop them into my mouth like I would cucumbers? LOL!! Let me confess - I did pop one into my mouth but something tells me it probably isnt supposed to be eaten that way cos it looks so different.

My doc said I had a sprained back but Ibuleve and Neurofen have sorted out the problem and I feel much, much better now. Thanks all for your kind thoughts.

You guys should warn Dr Wilson oh! I have barely started running and he is talking about running marathons - when I can barely run 20 minutes? Marathon?!?!? Hours and hours of running on end. Ha!! But I am interested and must admit running the marathon is a little bit intriguing for me. Its in April next year - if we can make the ballot that is and he wants us to run as a group. Anyone else interested? He says if anyone has cause to stop either from fatigue or exhaustion, he'll carry the person on his back for the rest of the race. LOL!! OK - I embellished that bit - he says we can walk the rest of the way if we get tired and I must say it sounds fun. As long as no one performs a 'Jade Goody'. We've got 9 months to start training for that. The problem with running is that once you start, stopping is almost impossible cos you'll always find an excuse to run some more. Anyone else wanna join the team? Pls get in touch with him: -babawill2000@yahoo.co.uk.

Tesco Race For Life

This is my 100th post at long, long last! Yeah!!! (Jumping up and down with glee.) LOL!!

Its all over at last - Tesco Race for life is completed. We (Me and my running partner - RP) got to Regents Park - the venue of the race in good time this time around. We met Buki and Vickii at the station where we excitedly gushed (well, at least I did) LOL!! over each other so much I forgot my name or even my RP's name too when we were introducing ourselves to each other. LOL!! After the introductions, all of us walked together to the park where we joined in the warm up activities which were going on, led by the organisers from the huge blue stage. It was fun getting into the hang of things. Warm up over, we all headed to the starting point where other runners were gathering also to await the start of the race.

When the gun went off, somehow, grappling with my mp3 so I could start the podcast to listen to while running, as well as my phone so that I could check our starting time when we crossed the starting point, my mp3 and headphones fell down and other runners helped me pick it up but not before I had bent down myself to rescue it quickly from under the feet of other runners when I felt that horrible pain in my waist again. Mp3 picked up from the ground and tucked away securely in its place, time noted, the race began.

It was fun and enjoyable. Me and my RP had agreed that we would run at a very moderate and if possible, slow pace to see if we could go the entire race without stopping rather than start fast and stop halfway through the race and start walking. We succeeded in doing that for the first 3km - Slow and Steady. I have read 2 other blogs where the bloggers had ran their first races all the way to the finish line without stopping and hoped to be able to do that in this race too. The guru's Buki and Vickii were running with us and were way, way ahead of us and we wanted to be able to tell them at the end of the race that we ran the entire race without stopping but alas, it wasnt to be. LOL!!

Just before the 4km mark, we couldnt bear it any more and stopped for a couple of seconds to catch our breath before we started running again. At least we had run 32 minutes without stopping which was a personal best for both of us too. We then started running again knowing that the end was in sight. At this point, the route seemed to curve and curve and curve. It was as if it was never ending but at last, we got to the 500m point and it was a sprint from there - not a very fast one but a semi sprint if I may say so and if there is anything like a semi sprint. LOL!!

Cos my eyes were closed when I got to the 500m point, and closed the rest of the race after that to block out the pain and the distance ahead, I didnt see the official clock or time which was placed strategically to the left as we crossed the finish line but just as I crossed the finish line, the unbelievable happened! My breakfast of brocolli and sprouts which I had eaten 3 hours previously (Yes, I am still on Atkins) LOL!! got upset and refused to stay put in my stomach and came spewing through my gullet, out of my mouth. I had to use my hanky to keep it in place until I could get one of the race marshalls to give me a sick bag to put the 'sick' and not disgrace myself. The problem was, how was I going to explain I needed a sick bag when my mouth was full already and I couldnt speak either? LOL!!

Luckily, Buki and Vickii who had finished the race way ahead of us and were waiting at the finish came to my aid and led me to the ambulance so I could get some aid but then I remembered I had a little paper bag in my waist pouch and got it out and was sick in it rather than spewing 'sick' all over the park like a little village girl. LOL!!

So, Race for Life was finished in 41 minutes. The time wasnt as good as my previous race but I'm glad I only stopped twice during the entire course of the race unlike my first race where I'm quite sure I must have stopped at least 8 - 10 times to rest, if not more. I didnt really get a lot of pictures of me in 'action' this time cos my personal photographer had called in sick. (smile)

But here's one of me with my medal after the race:

and another one of me after the race:

Here is another picture of me, Vickii & Buki - with our medals after our race.

More pictures from the race can be viewed HERE.

I havent got any more races lined up for the rest of July or in August either but I'm looking forward to my remaining races in September - the 5k Hydro Active Race and the 8k Windsor Race.

I'm off to read my new book - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows now. I couldnt wait and flipped through to the end as soon as I bought my copy and can reveal that Harry, Hermoine, and Ron are very much alive. LOL!!

Our Story.......

"Babes, Aunty XX says she wants to take me, you, our friend Y and his family out for dinner to say thank you to us (hubby and Y) for helping her out when she was moving her things to her new house."

My man said to me one evening when we were together. Hmmmn, I repiled. Thats nice. When? "Well, she says me and Y should look for a restaurant and then set a date when everyone is free and isnt working so we all can go out for the evening." He replied. Thats alright I figure. Me, I love freebies especialy when there's food involved so I was game. As long as she's willing to treat us, I said to myself, I dont mind at all.



That dinner date was postponed so many times. The excuse was often "We havent found a restaurant or we havent had the time to go looking for a nice and suitable restaurant". At long last, a suitable restaurant was found and booked and even though the date set was during the week, we were all excited. Well, I was thinking of all the food I would eat and praying it would be one of those 'Eat as much as you like' restaurants which I had discovered I had developed a liking for. We got dressed and went to Aunty XX's house to get her and her kids and then drove to the restaurant where we met Y, his wife and kids already waiting for us. Aunty XX was decked to the hilt - as usual. U cant try that lady oh - she's a real fashionista and was joking about how her wallet was filled to the brim and she was going to spend to the max and have a lovely time. It was a lovely gathering with loads of banter getting to know each other and stuff.


We got to the restaurant, ordered our meal - a three course meal which was so much when spread all over the table in front of us. Of course we didnt need any prodding and delved into the whole package with glee, chatting over the table, enjoying the extras we ordered, it was a treat on Aunty XX afterall. Y and his kids came with a camera and those with camera phones too whipped them out and we had fun taking pictues too and just having a nice time generally.


Then the 'guys' went out for a brief spell after we had finished our meal and the kids were having their deserts mainly ice cream, if i remember correctly - to smoke I think and when they came back, Hubby stood up, cleared his throat and said he had something to say. Everyone at the table started smiling, coughing and talking at the same time and that was when I realised what was about to happen. This wasnt some dinner by Aunty XX to thank him and his friend for helping her move, it was just a ruse to throw me off the scent. My man was about to propose. The joke was on me and I was the only one at the table who hadnt known what was actually planned for that evening. Everyone had seen the proposal coming except me!


At long last, they allowed him some breathing space and he spoke: "Honey, this is for you" thrusting a box into my palms. Everyone was cheering and making noise generally and I was smiling and blushing at the same time and I think they just generally assumed I would say yes. I thought of bursting thier bubble but was too surprised myself and whispered into into my man's ear. Thats not how you're suppose to propose, you're suppose to say "xxx" and gave him back the box with a command - start all over again. LOL!! The poor guy tried again but the excitement at the table was too much. Aunty XX was excited and talking, her teenage kids were excited and talking, Y was excited and talking and taking photographs, Y's wife and his teenage kids were excited and talking too, In the hula that went on, no one actually noticed that I hadnt said 'YES' yet. I think Aunty XX said that on my behalf in the excitement. LOL!! All eyes were on us and the restaurant staff brought over a bottle of Champagne and we all had a toast to the 'newly engaged couple'.


We tried the ring on my finger during one of the attempts to say the right words - too big but that could be sorted out. After our sumptious dinner and toast we all left for home where I finally gave my man his answer. A mighty YES. Although I did think about saying 'NO' at the restaurant just to burst the bubble of our 'spectators' a little bit. LOL!!


I'm telling this story cos its our wedding anniversary today. A year of conjugal bliss. There have good days and bad days, ups and downs but I cant complain. My man has been very good to me and I couldnt have wished or asked for a better husband. Happy Anniversary Babes. Here's to many, many more happy and blissful years ahead.

Minor Rambling......

There are times I sit at my PC and my tummy starts contracting as if I've been doing situps and press ups. And I know I had not done any in the previous hour. So why does my tummy contract the way it does at odd times?

We were celebrating over the weekend with some alcopops and I had downed a couple when I decided to be naughty and went to look for oga's trouble. I was dancing and singing in front of him when I took a step back and stepped on something. I looked down and was like "Oh No!" On the floor of the room were his glasses which he had placed on a pile of books and I had mistakenly stepped on them and the hands of the frame were bent. Trying to restore the handle back to its normal position from its twisted state resulted in it coming apart in my hands. I have single handedly spoilt my man's glasses and banished him to a life of having to make do with -1 of his reading glasses.


I saw Victor Ebuwa from Big Brother 5 on one of the high streets in North London during the week. I was rushing to get into the bank like 5 minutes before the doors close for the close of businesss for the day so I could pay some money into my account to cover a direct debit that was due the next day when I noticed someone cross the high street to walk just behind me. I looked up in the midst of my hurry and behold it was handsome victor and flashed a wide smile, said a bright hello and a wave and started debating with myself if I could spare a few minutes to ask him for a snap with him as proof of our meeting and still make it into the bank premises on time. My camera was in my handbag that day primed and ready. (Ok, I can almost hear you tutting and sshing, he's just a z-list celebrity and not even an A-list celebrity but a once a celebrity always a celebrity innit? There isnt anything like an ex-celebrity is there? I digress. LOL!!) On second thoughts, I decided not to ask him for any photographs. Its a very thin line between paying a £35 failed direct debit charge and not paying and I wasnt ready to risk it and continued my sprint to make it into the bank on time. He also seemed to be in a bit of a hurry himself. LOL!!

I'm in serious pain. Looking forward to my next race which is on saturday but I was in the kitchen last saturday afternoon and decided to do a